No. 1 NWF set to Clash with No. 2 Gulf Coast Saturday in Panama City

Game 19

#1 Northwest Florida State (18-0) at #2 Gulf Coast (18-1)

January 27, 2024 | 2:00 PM (CST) | Panama City, Fla.

Links: Live Stream

TIP-OFF  

Saturday afternoon in Panama City is gearing up to be a special one as No. 1 Northwest Florida State women's basketball travels to Gulf Coast to take on the No. 2 ranked Commadores. This highly anticipated matchup between the top-two teams in the nation will be the first of three meetings between these two. The Raiders took two of their three matchups against the Commodores last season, including the last meeting where NWF securing a narrow 69-63 victory over GCC at home.

Both teams are off to a fantastic year as their records and rankings reflect. The Raiders are 18-0 on the season and are coming of a big win at home following another double-digit victory over No. 13 Pensacola. The Commodores are 18-1 coming into the matchup, with their only loss stemming from a game against current No. 15 ranked Eastern Florida.

LAST TIME OUT

NWF came out victorious at home on Wednesday after defeating No. 13 Pensacola by a double-digit margin (66-42). The Raiders' defensive prowess was on full display as they limited the Pirates to a season-low 23.3% field goal percentage. Dominating the rebound battle, the Raiders secured an impressive 47 rebounds, outclassing the Pirates by a margin of 16. As a collective unit, the Raiders exhibited efficient shooting, boasting a 47.2% field goal percentage and an impressive 50.0% success rate from three-point range.

Four Raiders achieved double-digit scoring margins, with Mya Pierfax (15) and Destiney McPhaul (14) leading the charge, combining for a total of 29 points. Celia Riviere had another stellar performance, recording her 14th consecutive double-digit scoring output, resulting in her sixth double-double of the season with ten points and 11 rebounds. Deborah Davenport delivered a standout performance, achieving her first career double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.

Mekhia Chase led the game in scoring with a career-high 21 points off the bench, adding three assists, three rebounds, and four steals. Celia Riviere scored 18 points for the second consecutive game, marking her 13th straight game she's recorded a double-figure scoring output. Stephanie Mosley set a season-high in scoring with her 12 points for the game. She also added two assists and five steals to her mix.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

The Raiders currently rank top 30 in the nation in 12 different statistical categories and top ten in five categories, including field goals made per game (7th) at 31.6, field goal percentage (2nd) at 51.3, assists per game (2nd) at 23.5, points allowed per game (1st) at 43.2, and opponents' field goal percentage (2nd) at 30.4.In addition, the Raiders have a pair of players who rank top 20 in the NJCAA for field goal percentage – Celia Riviere ranks sixth at 64.3%, and Deborah Davenport ranks 17th at 59.4.9%.

RAIDERS' STATISTICAL LEADERS

PTS/G: Celia Riviere (13.4)

FG%: Celia Riviere (66.3%)

3FG%: Destiney McPhaul (42.7%)

REB/G: Celia Riviere (7.3)

AST/G: Nevaeh Scott (4.3)

STL/G: Destiney McPhaul (2.4)

BLK/G: Deborah Davenport (1.2)

PANHANDLE CONFERENCE STANDINGS

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